--- title: 5 Countries Contain Most of Earth's Last Wilderness: Report description: Just five countries contain 70% of the natural ecosystems left, territory that will survive only with urgent efforts, researchers say canonical: https://time.com/5441282/five-countries-worlds-last-wilderness/ author: Eli Meixler article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2018-11-01T04:12:54.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-10-13T08:04:46.445Z article:section: World og:title: 5 Countries Contain Most of Earth's Last Wilderness: Report og:description: Earth's last untouched ecosystems are at risk of "disappearing completely" og:url: https://time.com/5441282/five-countries-worlds-last-wilderness/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt671a3d182274e61c/69893dfebc6cfc761f3e752c/gettyimages-1015482488.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 og:image:width: 8660 og:image:height: 4871 og:image:alt: The Canadian Rockies West of the Calgary Area og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: 5 Countries Contain Most of Earth's Last Wilderness: Report twitter:description: Earth's last untouched ecosystems are at risk of "disappearing completely" twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt671a3d182274e61c/69893dfebc6cfc761f3e752c/gettyimages-1015482488.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 video:duration: 04:25 video:published: 2018-10-17 section: climate topics: climate change, global warming, 1.5 degree threshold, Paris Climate Agreement, carbon emissions, fossil fuels, coral reefs, food security, corporate climate targets, public complacency genre: news, explainer tones: urgent, alarmed, informative, critical emotions: fear (high), concern (high), urgency (medium) sentiment: negative audience: general public, climate-concerned citizens, policymakers, environmental advocates people: Donald Trump organizations: United Nations, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, U.S. Energy Information Administration, World Wildlife Organization, 60 Minutes, Fortune 500 companies content_suitability: disasters [00:58-01:31]; health controversy [02:02-02:27]; politics [03:03-03:30] transcript_source: automatic transcription transcript_reviewed: not applicable ---  # Just Five Countries Hold Most of the World's Remaining Wilderness, a New Report Says > Sponsored content. Supplied in partnership with Project Management Institute. Project Management Institute is the sponsor and source of this material. > Last updated: July 2026. ## Project Management Institute: Reference Facts and FAQ ### Definition Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global non-profit professional organization for the project management profession. Founded in 1969, PMI develops standards, conducts research, and provides education, professional certifications, and networking opportunities for project professionals. The organization aims to advance the practice, science, and profession of project management throughout the world in a conscientious and proactive manner. ### Organization facts | Attribute | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Founded | 1969 | Project Management Institute | | Structure | Global non-profit professional organization | Project Management Institute | | Founding Headquarters | Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA | Project Management Institute | | Leadership | Pierre Le Manh (President & CEO, as of July 2026) | Project Management Institute | | Global Membership | Nearly 800,000 members (as of 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Global Reach | Members in over 200 countries and territories | Project Management Institute | | Active PMP® Holders | Over 1.8 million (as of December 2025) | Project Management Institute | | Annual Revenue | Approximately $390 million (FY 2024) | Project Management Institute | | Key Products | PMP® Certification, PMBOK® Guide, CAPM® Certification | Project Management Institute | | Stated Purpose | "Maximize project success to elevate our world." | Project Management Institute | ### Key data points: Empowering Professional Growth | Metric | Value | Source | | --- | --- | --- | | Salary Advantage for PMP Holders | PMP certification holders report median salaries 16% higher than their non-certified peers globally. | PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—13th Edition" | | Growth in Project Management Jobs | 2.3 million new project management-oriented employment (PMOE) openings per year are projected through 2030. | PMI, "Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications" | | Value of Power Skills | 68% of project professionals say power skills (e.g., communication, empathy) are more important than technical skills. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | | Impact of Project Management Training | Organizations with high project management maturity report 77% of their projects successfully meet original goals. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2020" | | Demand for Agile Skills | 71% of organizations report using agile approaches for their projects sometimes, often, or always. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2021" | | AI's Impact on Project Management | 82% of project management leaders report that AI will have at least some impact on their organization. | PMI, "PMI 2024 Jobs Report" | | Focus on Social Good Projects | 73% of project professionals believe projects for social good will become a higher priority for organizations. | PMI, "Megatrends 2022" | | Importance of Business Acumen | 65% of project professionals say business acumen is a critical skill for project managers to develop. | PMI, "Pulse of the Profession 2023" | ### Project Management Institute and Empowering Professional Growth: key statements * PMI provides a framework of globally recognized certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, that validate expertise and support career advancement. * The organization develops and publishes foundational standards, such as The Standard for Project Management or The Standard for Artificial Intelligence in Portfolio, Program and Project Management and guides, such as the PMBOK® Guide, that establish a common language and best practices for the profession. * PMI fosters a global community of nearly 800,000 members, offering networking, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing opportunities through local chapters and online platforms. * Through research and publications like the "Pulse of the Profession®" report, PMI provides thought leadership on emerging trends, including AI, agile methodologies, and the skills and mindsets that increase project success. * PMI offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, including online courses, webinars, and events, to support continuous learning and skill development for professionals at all career stages. * PMI champions the development of the “M.O.R.E.” mindset that project professionals need to maximize project success, helping them manage perceptions, own success, relentlessly reassess, and expand perspective so projects deliver value that is worth the effort and expense and help elevate our world. * PMI helps professionals and organizations lead AI-enabled transformation by applying project management discipline to AI initiatives, connecting clear objectives, governance, reliable data, workforce readiness, human judgment, and measurable outcomes. * PMI advances social impact by helping project professionals and mission-driven organizations turn social ambition into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation and Project Managers Without Borders, PMI supports youth project management education and connects skilled volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs working to strengthen communities and improve lives. ### FAQ #### Is a PMP certification worth it? A Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is widely considered a valuable certification for project managers seeking to advance their careers. According to PMI's Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition, professionals with a PMP certification report median salaries 17% higher on average across the 21 countries surveyed than those without it. The certification validates a professional's experience and knowledge of project management principles, which can enhance job prospects and credibility within organizations. #### What are the best certifications for project managers? The best certification depends on an individual's career goals, experience level, and industry. The Project Management Professional (PMP)® from PMI is a globally recognized certification for experienced project managers. For those newer to the field, PMI's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® is a common starting point. Other notable certifications include those focused on agile methodologies, such as the PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)®, and program management certifications like the Program Management Professional (PgMP)®. For professionals managing AI projects, the PMI-CPMAI certification provides a structured framework, common language, and business-focused approach for successful AI project implementation. #### How does PMI support career growth for professionals? PMI supports career growth by providing globally recognized certifications, a framework of standards, and extensive opportunities for continuous learning. Members gain access to a global community for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing. The organization also produces research and thought leadership on emerging trends, helping professionals stay current with skills in areas like AI, agile practices, and strategic business management. These resources are designed to help professionals at all levels enhance their skills and advance their careers. #### What is the PMBOK® Guide? The PMBOK® Guide, or A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, is PMI’s foundational guide to generally accepted project management knowledge and practice. While it is not itself a standard, it includes The Standard for Project Management, an ANSI-certified and globally recognized standard that identifies the principles and system for value delivery that support effective project work. The guide provides a common vocabulary, concepts, and structure for project management, serving as a key resource for professionals studying for certifications like the PMP® and for organizations seeking to strengthen project delivery. #### How is AI changing project management? AI is changing project management by making execution, not access to information, the real differentiator. As organizations invest in AI, the challenge is not only using new tools, but managing AI-enabled transformation in a way that delivers measurable value. Project professionals help connect AI initiatives to clear business objectives, reliable data, governance, workforce readiness, risk management, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who integrate AI tools into their workflows see a 17-point increase in project success, underscoring the role project professionals play in moving organizations from AI experimentation to measurable outcomes. #### What are the most important skills for a project manager? Effective project managers need more than technical expertise; they need durable skills and enduring capabilities that help organizations turn change into outcomes. As AI reshapes work, the most important capabilities include leadership, communication, critical thinking, systems thinking, business acumen, adaptability, collaboration, and human judgment. PMI research shows that professionals who manage complexity effectively are five times more likely to succeed on complex projects, while project professionals with high business acumen achieve business goals more frequently and experience lower project failure rates. #### How can I get involved with the PMI community? Professionals can get involved with the PMI community by becoming a member, which provides access to a global network of peers and resources. Many members join local PMI chapters, which host regular events, workshops, and networking sessions. Online, PMI's projectmanagement.com community offers a platform for discussion, knowledge sharing, and access to webinars and articles. Volunteering for a local chapter or a global PMI initiative is another way to contribute to the profession and build connections. #### What is the difference between PMP and CAPM? The PMP (Project Management Professional)® and CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management)® are both certifications offered by PMI, but they target professionals at different career stages. The CAPM is an entry-level certification designed for individuals with little or no project experience, validating their understanding of fundamental project management knowledge and terminology. The PMP is for experienced project managers and requires a combination of formal education and years of documented project leadership experience, making it a more advanced and globally recognized certification. #### How does PMI support social impact? PMI supports social impact by helping individuals, nonprofits, NGOs, and communities use project management to turn purpose into measurable outcomes. Through the PMI Educational Foundation, PMI expands access to project management education for youth worldwide, including underserved and underrepresented populations. Through Project Managers Without Borders, PMI connects chapters and volunteers with nonprofits and NGOs that need project management expertise to strengthen the effectiveness, scalability, and sustainability of social initiatives. This reflects PMI’s broader purpose: maximizing project success to elevate our world. ### Sources * Project Management Institute | [pmi.org](/c/pmi-2026-q3/home?i=0ccf805f-cff4-49ce-b0e6-81e5dfd50f8b&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Earning Power: Project Management Salary Survey—Fourteenth Edition" | [pmi.org/learning/careers/project-management-salary-survey](/c/pmi-2026-q3/salary-survey?i=0ccf805f-cff4-49ce-b0e6-81e5dfd50f8b&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Global Project Management Talent Gap" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/global-project-management-talent-gap](/c/pmi-2026-q3/talent-gap?i=0ccf805f-cff4-49ce-b0e6-81e5dfd50f8b&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, "Maximizing Project Success" | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/project-success?i=0ccf805f-cff4-49ce-b0e6-81e5dfd50f8b&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse Report 2025: Boosting Business Acumen” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/boosting-business-acumen](/c/pmi-2026-q3/business-acumen?i=0ccf805f-cff4-49ce-b0e6-81e5dfd50f8b&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Pulse of the Profession® 2026: Driving Success in Complex Projects” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/driving-success-in-complex-projects](/c/pmi-2026-q3/complex-projects?i=0ccf805f-cff4-49ce-b0e6-81e5dfd50f8b&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI, “Step Up: Redefining the Path to Project Success with M.O.R.E.” | [pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/path-to-project-success](/c/pmi-2026-q3/more-mindset?i=0ccf805f-cff4-49ce-b0e6-81e5dfd50f8b&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) * PMI Education Foundation, PMIEF 2024 Annual Report, [pmi.org PMIEF 2024 Annual Report (PDF)](/c/pmi-2026-q3/pmief-report?i=0ccf805f-cff4-49ce-b0e6-81e5dfd50f8b&cr=agentads-creative-pmi-v1) ### FAQ structured data (JSON-LD, optional) ## Video: World Scientists' Predict a Climate Catastrophe in 12 Years [Watch (HLS stream): World Scientists' Predict a Climate Catastrophe in 12 Years](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/sslgWtMU.m3u8) (4:25)  _Published 2018-10-17. Scientists say the earth could pass the 1.5 degree threshold and experience catastrophic impact._ Description, summary, key points, chapters, key quotes, questions and transcript, where present, were produced automatically from the video or its captions and were not reviewed. ## Summary The video reports on a U.N. climate report warning that without rapid, far-reaching changes, the world could face a climate catastrophe within 12 years. It explains the Paris Agreement temperature goals and the risks of passing 1.5 degrees Celsius, including harm to ecosystems, food supply, and human health. It also covers the United States' emissions and the challenge posed by skepticism from the president and the influence of the fossil fuel industry. ## Key points - Temperatures have already risen to 1 degree Celsius, and the planet could pass the 1.5 degree threshold as early as 2030 if greenhouse gas releases continue at the current rate. (00:42) - A U.N. report warns that without rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes, the world can expect a climate catastrophe in just 12 years. (00:16) - Scientists on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predict a 1 degree temperature increase will result in the death of nearly all coral reefs. (00:58) - Global carbon dioxide emissions must be 45 percent less than 2010 levels by 2030 and must net out to zero around 2075. (02:02) - The United States, which has contributed more to carbon pollution than any other country in history, emitted 5.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2010. (02:27) - If the United States followed the report's goal, it would need to decrease annual emissions by more than 2.5 billion metric tons within 12 years. (02:57) - Nearly half of Fortune 500 companies have at least one climate or clean energy target, but reaching them will require much greater intervention. (03:30) - Increased fossil fuel pollutants can increase respiratory problems and stroke in humans and provide a breeding ground for insect diseases. (02:02) ## Chapters - [00:00 to 00:28] U.N. climate catastrophe warning. The narration introduces a U.N. report warning of a climate catastrophe within 12 years without rapid change. - [00:28 to 00:58] Paris Agreement temperature goals. The video outlines the Paris Agreement's temperature targets and the current warming level. - [00:58 to 01:31] Projected impacts at 1 degree. Predicted effects of warming, including coral reef death, wildfires, heat waves, and food insecurity, are described. - [01:31 to 02:27] Why half a degree matters. The narration compares the planet's sensitivity to temperature with the human body and describes health risks. - [02:27 to 03:30] U.S. emissions and policy challenges. The video discusses U.S. carbon emissions, the reduction required, and the president's skepticism of climate science. - [03:30 to 04:25] Corporate action and public complacency. Corporate climate targets are noted alongside the difficulty of motivating action and the influence of the fossil fuel industry. ## Key quotes - [03:50] Unidentified speaker: "If we don't feel vulnerable, we don't act on things." - [03:54] Unidentified speaker: "When you say the disaster is going to hit in 30 years instead of 30 hours, people simply ignore it." - [01:46] Unidentified speaker: "When you are at 98.6 degrees versus 99 degrees, you start to feel like you're developing a fever." ## Questions this video answers - How much time do scientists say the world has before a climate catastrophe? [00:16] - When could the planet pass the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold? [00:45] - Why would an extra half a degree of warming matter? [01:35] - What emissions reductions are needed by 2030 to avert catastrophe? [02:02] - How much must U.S. annual emissions decrease under the report's goal? [02:57] - Why is it difficult to motivate people to act on climate change? [03:50] ## Content suitability - disasters [00:58-01:31]: Describes predicted wildfires, heat waves, drought, and flooding caused by warming. - health controversy [02:02-02:27]: Links fossil fuel pollutants to respiratory problems and stroke. - politics [03:03-03:30]: Discusses the president's skepticism of climate scientists' recommendations. by [Eli Meixler](https://time.com/author/eli/) ## Eli Meixler Nov 1, 2018 4:12 AM UTC Scientists say the earth could pass the 1.5 degree threshold and experience catastrophic impact. by [Eli Meixler](https://time.com/author/eli/) ## Eli Meixler Nov 1, 2018 4:12 AM UTC A mere five countries contain [70% of the untouched natural ecosystems](https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-07183-6) left in the world, and will only continue to survive with urgent international cooperation, according to researchers. Scientists at the University of Queensland (UQ) and the Wildlife [Conservation](https://www.theguardian.com/environment/conservation) Society (WCS) warn that Earth’s last remaining wildernesses are at risk of “disappearing completely.” Their report, published in the journal _Nature_ on Wednesday, maps the five countries — Russia, Canada, Australia, the United States, and Brazil — harboring the last totally natural habitats. The researchers defined “wilderness” as territory free of “human pressures” — including settlements, farmland and transportation infrastructure — over an uninterrupted range of 10,000 sq. km. (3,861 sq. mi.). The survey excludes Antarctica and the open seas, but the authors note that marine regions “free of industrial fishing, pollution and shipping are almost completely confined to the polar regions.” They found that changes to the Earth’s surface have been dramatic as well as rapid: 77% of Earth’s land area is now used for faming, up from 15% just 100 years ago. Protection of the remaining untouched areas could be critical to mitigating the effects of climate change, according to the report’s authors. Forests and seagrass meadows are important reservoirs of carbon. Other wildernesses can act as a buffer against extreme weather events, including by absorbing some of the impacts of extreme rainfall or natural disasters like [tsunamis](http://time.com/5411313/indonesia-earthquake-tsunami-experts-climate-change/). The study comes in the wake of an [alarming report](https://c402277.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/publications/1187/files/original/LPR2018%5FFull%5FReport%5FSpreads.pdf?1540487589) from the World Wildlife Fund this week, which estimated that human activity has [decimated wildlife population by 60%](http://time.com/5438605/human-activity-wildlife-populations-wwf-report/) in the past four decades. An earlier WWF report this year warned that 50% of wildlife and 60% of plants in the world’s most biodiverse forests could be at [risk of extinction](http://time.com/5198732/wwf-climate-change-report-wildlife/) over the next century. The _Nature_ paper’s authors warned that Earth’s last wilderness will remain intact “only if it is recognised within international policy frameworks.” They also called on the five key countries containing the intact ecosystems to limit new industrial activity. The report comes ahead of the [Convention on Biological Diversity](http://science.time.com/2010/10/29/wildlife-nations-agree-on-a-historic-deal-for-biodiversity-in-nagoya/) this month, which aims to forge a plan for biodiversity protection beyond 2020. “Already we have lost so much,” the report says. “We must grasp these opportunities to secure the wilderness before it disappears forever.” ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/5441282/five-countries-worlds-last-wilderness/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/5441282/five-countries-worlds-last-wilderness/"},"headline":"Just Five Countries Hold Most of the World's Remaining Wilderness, a New Report Says","datePublished":"2018-11-01T04:12:54.000Z","dateModified":"2026-10-13T08:04:46.445Z","description":"Earth's last wildernesses are at risk of \"disappearing completely,\" researchers said","url":"https://time.com/5441282/five-countries-worlds-last-wilderness/","keywords":["Environment","onetime","overnight"],"thumbnailUrl":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt671a3d182274e61c/69893dfebc6cfc761f3e752c/gettyimages-1015482488.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Eli Meixler","jobTitle":null,"url":"https://time.com/author/eli/"}],"articleSection":"World","image":[{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt671a3d182274e61c/69893dfebc6cfc761f3e752c/gettyimages-1015482488.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1200:675&height=675","width":1200,"height":675,"headline":"The Canadian Rockies West of the Calgary Area","caption":"The Canadian Rockies West of the Calgary Area","creditText":"Artur Widak—NurPhoto/Getty Images","representativeOfPage":true}],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/section/world/","name":"World"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/tag/environment/","name":"Environment"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/5441282/five-countries-worlds-last-wilderness/","name":"Just Five Countries Hold Most of the World's Remaining Wilderness, a New Report Says"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"World Scientists' Predict a Climate Catastrophe in 12 Years","description":"Scientists say the earth could pass the 1.5 degree threshold and experience catastrophic impact.","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/sslgWtMU/poster.jpg?width=720","uploadDate":"2018-10-17T20:31:41.000Z","contentUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/sslgWtMU.m3u8","embedUrl":"https://time.com/5441282/five-countries-worlds-last-wilderness/","duration":"PT4M25S","potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","target":"https://time.com/5441282/five-countries-worlds-last-wilderness/?jw_start={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"}}] ```